How to Stop Diarrhea Fast: 12 Ways to Do

Having frequent and watery bowel movements is known as diarrhoea. This process often causes cramps and a strong urge to use the toilet immediately. It is usually triggered by infections, viruses, or irritating foods. Since, dehydration is a leading concern with diarrhoea, drinking fluids and opting for bland foods like bananas and rice are essential. Diarrhoea needs to be stopped fast to prevent significant fluid loss. While most cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own, or with certain home remedies, persistent symptoms warrant a doctor's attention.

What is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is a condition involving frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. This condition often accompanies stomach cramps, bloating, and a strong urge to use the toilet.

Various things can trigger diarrhoea, like infections, viruses, or certain foods that tend to upset the stomach. Diarrhoea is just your body's way of getting rid of something harmful. Dehydration is a concern with diarrhoea because the body loses a lot of water in this condition. It's crucial to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. You can try eating bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast to help settle your stomach.

Treatment is not necessary in all cases of diarrhoea, but it can be sought if the condition is severe or does not get better on its own or with conservative methods. 

What Causes Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea happens when our digestive system works too fast, and the intestines don't absorb water properly. There are many reasons for this process. 

• One common cause is infections, usually from viruses or bacteria that you can develop from consuming contaminated food or water. Our stomach may not accept certain foods or drinks, causing irritation and diarrhoea. 
• Stress and anxiety are some other reasons for diarrhoea. 
• Other culprits include certain medications, especially antibiotics, as they can disturb the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut.
• Additionally, conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel diseases can make our digestion go haywire, leading to diarrhoea.
• In some cases, our bodies might react poorly to artificial sweeteners or lactose, found in dairy products, triggering an upset stomach. 

Understanding the cause of diarrhoea helps in finding the most appropriate way to calm it down and get back to feeling better.

How to Stop Diarrhoea Fast: 12 Easy Methods

Here are 12 easy methods to help you get rid of diarrhoea fast: 

1. Take Antidiarrheal Medication: Taking antidiarrheal medication is generally the best and most effective way of treating diarrhoea. You must take a doctor’s advice before taking any medication to stop diarrhoea fast. 
2. Stay Hydrated: Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. Drink water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions to keep your body hydrated. This helps replace fluids lost through diarrhoea.
3. BRAT Diet: Stick to the BRAT diet – Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are easy on the stomach and can help firm up loose stools.
4. Avoid Dairy and Fatty Foods: Dairy and high-fat foods can worsen diarrhoea. Avoid them until your stomach settles.
5. Electrolyte-rich Drinks: Diarrhoea can deplete essential minerals. Drink electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks or coconut water to replenish potassium and sodium.
6. Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Sipping on ginger tea can ease nausea and potentially reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
7. Plain Crackers: Munching on plain crackers provides a light source of carbohydrates, which is gentle on the stomach and can ease nausea.
8. Probiotics: Introducing probiotics, found in yoghurt or supplements, supports a healthy balance of gut bacteria and may aid in digestive recovery.
9. Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals to give your digestive system a break and prevent overwhelming your stomach.
10. Bland Foods: Choose easily digestible foods like boiled potatoes, plain pasta, or steamed chicken. These foods are gentle on the stomach.
11. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea has soothing properties that can help calm the digestive system and alleviate discomfort.
12. Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal tablets may help absorb toxins and reduce diarrhoea symptoms. However, consult a healthcare professional before using them.

Remember, while these home remedies can be effective for mild cases of diarrhoea, if symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience severe dehydration or other concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.

Conclusion

To stop diarrhoea fast, maintaining proper hydration and eating a gentle diet like the BRAT diet can be very helpful. While most cases of diarrhoea get better on their own, lasting discomfort requires a doctor's intervention. Understanding the triggers, from infections to stress can help in effective management. These simple methods can often bring relief, but if symptoms persist or worsen, seeking timely medical advice ensures a speedy return to well-being.

FAQs

1. What is the best treatment for diarrhoea?

The best treatment for diarrhoea is usually rest and drinking fluids to stay hydrated. Eating bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast can help. Over-the-counter medications may provide relief, but it's important to check with a doctor first. If diarrhoea persists or is severe, seeking medical advice is crucial.

2. Is it normal to poop 5 times a day?

Pooping frequency varies, but for many, going 1-3 times a day is normal. Pooping 5 times daily, if it occurs suddenly and causes discomfort can hint towards a health concern. If unsure, check with a doctor to ensure your gut is healthy.

3. Is ice cream good for diarrhoea?

While ice cream may seem soothing, it's not the best for diarrhoea. Dairy can worsen diarrhoea symptoms for some. Opt for bland, non-dairy foods like bananas or rice. Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

4. What stops diarrhoea fast naturally?

To tackle diarrhoea quickly and naturally, opt for simple solutions. Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich drinks. Choose easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid dairy, caffeine, and fatty foods. Rest and give your stomach time to settle. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.